Shizuoka Sake Tasting 17/8: Sanwa Brewery

The Japan Blog List

Please check Shizuoka Gourmet Blog for all the gastronomy in Shizuoka Prefecture!
————————————————–

garyubai-togarami

My good friend Mr. Nagashima of Nagashima Liuor Shop came up with an unusual bottle by Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City.
It bore a very difficult Japanese name to read, “origarami”, basically meaning “melting”. The bottle was not on display yet.

Sanwa Brewery: Garyuubai Origarami Junmai Ginjo (nigori) Nama Genshu (talk of a long title!)

Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Toyama Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Dryness: +4
Acidity: 1.4
Alcohol: 16~17 degrees
Bottled in January 2009

Clarity: Very clear when lees are “down”
Color: Slightly smoky white when shaken. Transparent when lees are “down”.
Aroma: Light and dry. Fruity: pineapple
Body: Velvety
Taste: Strong attack backed up by strong alcohol and a lot of acidity due to white lees.
More complex than expected.
Fruity: pineapple, apples.
Long tail. Almonds, vanilla, star anise and coffee beans appearing later.
Acidity lingers in the back of the mouth for a long time.

Overall: An acquired taste, but more pleasant than expected.
Drinks quickly, so must be better than I first thought!

Must-see tasting websites:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Shizuoka Sake: The Cream Of Japan